The loss of a baby is one of the most tragic experiences a mother can go through — and in the animal world, it’s no different. For a mother monkey, her baby is not just a part of her biological duty but the center of her emotional world. From the moment a baby monkey is born, the mother invests her time, energy, and love into nurturing and protecting it. When that bond is suddenly broken due to loss, the impact can be both heartbreaking and profound.
Mother monkeys have been observed carrying their deceased infants for days, even weeks. This behavior isn’t merely instinctual — it reflects deep emotional distress. Scientists believe this prolonged carrying is a form of mourning, a way for the mother to come to terms with the death. It mirrors the stages of grief seen in humans: denial, sadness, and eventually, letting go. The mother may groom the baby as if it were still alive, clinging to the hope that somehow it will wake up again.
In some monkey communities, the group responds to the grieving mother with noticeable changes in behavior. Other females may stay close, offer physical comfort, or help groom the grieving mother. Some will even show interest in the deceased infant, inspecting or touching it gently. These interactions suggest a shared understanding of loss — a sense of empathy within the group, which reflects the depth of social bonds that exist in primate societies.
The loss of a baby can also affect the mother’s long-term behavior. Some mothers become withdrawn or less interactive with the group. Others might refuse to eat properly, showing clear signs of depression. In certain cases, if the mother has another baby later, she may become overly protective or anxious, shaped by the trauma of her previous loss. This shows how emotional experiences can shape future behavior, much like in humans.
In captivity or rescue centers, caregivers sometimes witness this grief firsthand. They may have to gently take the baby from the mother after several days to help her move on. But even then, the process must be handled with great sensitivity, as sudden separation can cause more distress. Some caregivers place a soft object in the mother’s arms for comfort, though it’s never a true replacement for what she lost.
Ultimately, the pain of a mother monkey losing her baby reminds us of the deep emotional lives animals live. Their grief, though not expressed in words, is visible in their eyes, their movements, and their actions. It’s a powerful reminder that compassion, care, and empathy are not just human traits — they are shared by many living beings on this planet.